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As the UEFA Euro 2016 Championships kick off later this week, we take a look at Wales’ upcoming schedule, previewing what is set to be Wales’ first involvement in a major football competition since 1958.

Squad Analysis

As Wales’ population and football leagues don’t come anywhere near to the likes of England, France, Germany and Spain, the team manager typically has a more limited pool of players to choose from. The squad selected very much reflects faith and loyalty from the manager to the players that had worked so hard to earn qualification. Only a handful of major decisions were needed to be made by manager Chris Coleman, who notably decided to take central midfielder Joe Ledley, despite him yet having fully recovered from a fractured fibula.

Wales Fixtures

11th June 2016: 17:00 – Wales v Slovakia

16th June 2016: 14:00 – England v Wales

20th June 2016: 20:00 – Russia v Wales

Star player

Any follower of football or Welsh sporting heroes will be undoubtedly aware of the Wales football team talisman. Gareth Bale, officially the world’s most expensive players that just two weeks ago won the Champions League with Real Madrid is the one to watch. He was the scorer of 7 out of the 11 goals in qualifying and is known for his strength, pace and vision that we hope will take Wales out of the group and into the knock-out phase.

Other notable players for Wales include Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen, Swansea defender and captain Ashley Williams, as well as target men Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes.

Playing style

As Wales are set to play against the best teams of Europe, it’s worth considering how they might play. Out of 10 matches in qualifying, Wales managed to keep 7 clean sheets, illustrating the defensive ability of the side. It’s likely that the team will set up with 3 central defence players with two wide men providing cover support. Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey would be expected to line up in the centre of midfield, supplying Bale, Vokes and Robson-Kanu with chances to score.

The game to watch

When Wales were drawn in the same group as England, many began to relish to opportunity to play such a close neighbour. Wales’ second match will take place at 2pm on Thursday 16th June (book your days off!!) With much media hype around England and not so high expectations on Wales, can Gareth Bale and co cause an upset?

How will they do?

As its Wales’ first major tournament in over 50 years, the players are not exactly used to the international stage. With that said, we should by no means recognise that the host of Premier League and Championship players at Chris Coleman’s disposal could cause some serious damage. Wales are down as 80/1 odds to win the tournament and are 3rd favourites (out of 4) to make it out of the group. As a nation, many believe making it out of the group and into the knock-outs can be deemed as a success!

Be Prepared

Whether you are on the plane to go and see Wales in France, or are attending fan zones, pubs, family gatherings, watching with friends or even in the comfort of your own home, make sure that you have got your Wales Football Shirt, Wales Scarf and other Welsh clothing to show your support for the mighty dragons!